I’m generally sceptical of conspiracy theories.   

Call me old fashioned, but I’m pretty sure we landed on the moon. I think 9/11 was al-Qaeda, not an inside job. I think climate change is real.   

But I’ve got to admit, I’ve been captivated by the information released in the Epstein files. And while I still don’t think it reveals a coordinated paedophile ring, the trove of information released so far has been far more enlightening than I ever anticipated it would be. Truthfully, I thought it would be a nothing burger. I was wrong.   

It’s not that the files necessarily prove greater illegality. Many people thought the dump would reveal a client list of the global elite: a black book of politicians, billionaires, CEOs, celebs, and royalty who’d committed the most appalling crimes and would be rounded up and brought to justice.  

So far at least, it doesn’t have that. But it has illuminated a web of connections and relationships among the wealthy, connected, and powerful that we might never have known existed. And it is quite extraordinary to see the ways in which power and acquaintances have been leveraged.  

There are several stand out takeaways for me.  

First of all, the sheer volume of information. Thousands of videos, hundreds of thousands of photos, millions of messages. Was there anything this guy didn’t document? And there are still millions of documents that haven't yet been released.   

Secondly, the impact the files are having in countries outside the United States. Although they name heaps of big powerful figures in the US, many of whom are closely connected to the President or the Clintons, the blow-back has arguably been curiously stronger in other parts of the World.   

Overnight, the Crown Princess of Norway has publicly apologised to the King and Queen after her close relationship with Epstein was illuminated. As we go to air, Police in the UK are searching the properties of Peter Mandelson, the man who until a few weeks ago was the UK's Ambassador to the US, and who's one of many people who after initially talking down their relationship with Epstein, has been proven to have been far closer to the man, to have visited him and stayed with him well after this initial convictions. Ariane de Rothschild, the CEO of the Rothschild Swiss bank, previously said she only met Epstein on bank business, but the files suggest a much chummier relationship, Epstein inviting her to stay at his apartment.   

My third takeaway is that even though nothing illegal is alleged on their behalf, some of the high-profile names associated with Epstein have forever tarnished their reputations through their enduring relationships with him.  

Bill Gates continuing to communicate with Epstein for years. Noam Chomsky tendering advice to Epstein on surviving a media storm relating to his criminal charges. And of course, the greatest fall from grace outside of Epstein himself, the former Prince Andrew, disgraced, stripped of his titles, and with no realistic path back to respect.   

The files may not have proved a great conspiracy, but they have been incredibly illuminating. And as I've digested the reporting and analysis, the communications of incredibly powerful people who never imagined their messages would be publicised, I've been reminded of a salient quote.  

"The measure of a person's character is what they do when no one is watching."